Travellers who have occupied a playing field in Shepton Mallet for over a week will be removed by baliffs today (June 19) after a magistrate approved a court order for their removal.

Mendip District Council originally issued an eviction notice, ordering the travellers who arrived at the West Shepton Playing Fields on June 7 to leave the site the following Sunday (June 11).

The travellers failed to comply to the order.

Reports of litter at the site, including human waste and needles prompted the town council to issue an unprecedented warning to local children not to visit the site’s BMX park which is currently being refurbished.

Police were called to the playing fields on the evening of June 14, responding to complaints from nearby residents that the travellers had been launching fireworks.

Officers also responded to an incident at the town’s Lido on Saturday after reports of anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman from Shepton Mallet town council told Somerset Live: "As a town council we’re delighted that this step has been taken."